Childhood:
Born on April 9, 1898 in Princeton, NJ
Youngest of five children
At six, mother died in fire

High School:
One of two blacks in his high school
Excelled in debate, football, acting
Played lead role in Othello

College:
Attended Rutgers University, a mainly white college
Highest GPA in class
Attended law school at New York University and Columbia University

Activism:
Performed in films that contradicted black stereotype
Co-founded the Council on African Affairs to aid in African liberation
Sang at rallies to support a democratic Spain (Africa Within)

Riot
at Paul Robeson's Concert in New York(Hulu - Videos)